CALPAK vs. Samsonite: Which is Greatest in 2024?

It might be onerous for 2 baggage manufacturers to be extra completely different than CALPAK and Samsonite. They’ve very completely different designs and approaches to constructing baggage, so to decide on between them, you’ll want to determine what your priorities are.

CALPAK is thought for its hanging designs and clear aesthetic. These suitcases aren’t nearly carrying your stuff, they’re meant to make a press release.

Alternatively, Samsonite baggage will not be as stylish as CALPAK, nevertheless it’s dependable (and you will discover it all over the place). Samsonite has been round for over a century, they usually’re essentially the most well-known model within the enterprise. They promote an enormous vary of baggage, particularly in comparison with CALPAK’s restricted providing.

Our group has examined over 150 suitcases over the previous 15 years, and I’ve put each CALPAK and Samsonite to the check alone travels. It’s straightforward to learn product pages and advertising information, however a lot tougher to guage how a suitcase works in the true world.

I’ll delve into the CALPAK vs. Samsonite debate, overlaying every thing from the standard of supplies to key design options. I’ll share insights from utilizing baggage from each manufacturers on journeys across the globe. I purpose that will help you make an knowledgeable choice that fits your journey fashion and desires.

CALPAK Baggage Overview

Based in 1989 by Edward and Judy Kwon, CALPAK started as a modest enterprise providing purses and wallets. Through the years CALPAK grew into a well-liked baggage model identified for its fashion and practicality.

I’ve at all times been drawn to CALPAK for its vibrant, Instagram-worthy designs that actually stand out. If you happen to like baggage from on-trend manufacturers like Away, Monos, July, or Beis, you’ll additionally like CALPAK. It’s clear they’re catering to a youthful, trendier crowd.

The model blends glossy design with streamlined performance, good when you’re an adventurous traveler who likes to look good when you’re on the go. Sure, CALPAK is fashionable and stylish, however their suitcases are additionally well-designed and well-built.

CALPAK Supplies & High quality

CALPAK makes use of 100% polycarbonate for his or her hardshell suitcases—identical to pricier manufacturers like Monos and Away. If you happen to’ve been eyeing these uber-trendy suitcases, however can’t fairly justify the spend, CALPAK could also be a terrific possibility for you.

Regardless of its extra accessible worth level, CALPAK doesn’t skimp on sturdiness. You gained’t get fairly the identical longevity as top-tier manufacturers, however these suitcases actually do stand as much as the form of put on and tear that frequent journey brings.

The resilience of polycarbonate is spectacular; it absorbs impacts and bounces again to form, which has saved my baggage from just a few potential disasters. It’s additionally extremely light-weight.

The CALPAK Ambeur has a slight metallic sheen added to the polycarbonate shell. This end is gorgeous and actually stands out in a crowd (plus, it seems to be nice on digital camera for these Instagram photographs).

That mentioned, whereas I really like the look of my CALPAK suitcase, it’s true that the trendy end can choose up scratches and scuffs alongside the way in which. I used to be somewhat dissatisfied when my CALPAK suitcase got here again from its first journey all scratched up, however I used to be ready to make use of some recommendations on easy methods to clear baggage to get the worst of the scuffs out.

The chances are very low {that a} good polycarbonate hardshell will ever crack or break, however zippers and wheels are one other story.

Luckily, CALPAK makes use of sturdy double-spinner wheels with rubber tires and metal ball bearings. This makes them very clean and straightforward to maneuver, nevertheless it additionally signifies that they’re much less more likely to break or put on down over time.

CALPAK additionally makes use of YKK zippers, which supplies me quite a lot of confidence that I’ll have the ability to use this baggage for a very long time with out the zippers carrying out or jamming.

Although their suitcases may not be as proof against beauty harm as a few of Samsonite’s choices, CALPAK presents a wonderful steadiness of high quality, sturdiness, and elegance at a worth that doesn’t break the financial institution. For these of us who worth each a great deal and a great look, CALPAK is a standout alternative, providing reliable baggage that competes intently with luxurious manufacturers in endurance, albeit with its personal distinctive aptitude.

CALPAK Design & Options

All CALPAK baggage is designed to be fashionable and crowd pleasing, and also you get some nice selections for various aesthetics, from the minimal Hue to the vintage-style TRNK. Every bit has some persona in-built, whether or not you like flashy or understated. Plus, they’re all out there in a variety of enjoyable colours.

Despite the fact that there are a number of completely different kinds, all of them share the identical stylish, trendy, stylish vibe. You gained’t discover the techy, distinctive patterns of one thing just like the Samsonite Voltage DLX or the extra businesslike fashion of the Armage II.

In comparison with Samsonite’s huge lineup, CALPACK’s product line is fairly restricted. If you happen to don’t like the primary few CALPAK suitcases you see, you in all probability gained’t like several of them.

Functionally, each CALPAK fashion is nearly similar. All of them have the identical double spinner wheels, adjustable deal with, TSA lock, practically similar pocket format, and even the very same pricing.

Inside most CALPAK suitcases, you’ll discover a zippered divider on one aspect with two built-in zippered pockets. On the opposite aspect, there’s a set of compression straps and a small zippered pocket on the highest.

This setup is easy and easy, however I discovered that it labored effectively to maintain my stuff organized with out having so many pockets that I forgot the place I put issues. If you happen to favor extra pockets and group, you’ll be happier with Samsonite’s Define Professional than with a CALPAK bag.

The place the place you can get extra performance from CALPAK is with their entrance pocket carry-ons (out there for the Hue or Ambeur kinds). These carry-ons embody an exterior zippered pocket that’s good for a laptop computer or pill and has just a few smaller pockets inside for issues like a passport, cellphone, boarding cross, and pocket book.

I really like that this design makes it straightforward to get at necessary objects rapidly with out opening the primary compartment of my suitcase.

CALPAK baggage is glossy and trendy, however that doesn’t imply it isn’t useful. These suitcases work effectively throughout real-world journey. Nonetheless, if fashion isn’t an important factor, and also you need extra superior options, Samsonite has extra to supply.

CALPAK Baggage: Execs and Cons

For style-savvy vacationers, CALPAK presents baggage that makes a press release from the airport check-in to the luggage declare. However when you’re somebody who values a big selection of options or wants baggage fitted to rugged use, CALPAK’s give attention to vogue over perform may go away you wanting extra.

Samsonite Baggage Overview

Samsonite is the most well-known model within the baggage market, they usually’ve been at it for over a century. Not like CALPAK, which zeroes in on fashionable, mid-range baggage, Samsonite spans the spectrum from budget-friendly items to high-end luxurious instances. They’ve received one thing for nearly everybody.

Samsonite baggage is well-built and sturdy general, particularly when you go for his or her higher-end suitcases (which aren’t even that costly in comparison with many trendy manufacturers).

However when you’re after one thing that reveals off your sense of fashion, Samsonite’s conventional vibe might sound a bit plain subsequent to the snazzy, trendy look of manufacturers like CALPAK. It’s good for many who favor basic over flashy, however may not catch the attention of development hunters.

Samsonite actually shines with its versatility and the wide range of good options it presents, one thing for everybody. Nonetheless, this broad method generally means it doesn’t focus as a lot on area of interest, progressive options that smaller manufacturers may emphasize to distinguish themselves.

If you happen to worth a tried and true model with a stable monitor file, Samsonite is a good choose. It could not at all times flip heads within the airport, nevertheless it’ll undoubtedly get you and your gear the place you’ll want to go with out a fuss.

Samsonite Baggage Supplies & High quality

Simply because Samsonite has been constructing baggage for a very very long time doesn’t imply the model doesn’t innovate. Samsonite’s patent-pending Roxkin materials is a singular kind of multi-layer thermoplastic that’s utilized in a few of their high-end baggage collections (just like the Proxis). It’s exceptionally robust and light-weight, and it may take up large impacts with out cracking or denting.

In addition to the high-tech stuff, Samsonite additionally presents hard-sided choices in polycarbonate. Samsonite’s polycarbonate suitcases are across the similar worth as CALPAK’s hardside baggage, they usually provide related high quality and sturdiness.

Polypropylene is the commonest materials in Samsonite hardside baggage, and sadly, it falls in need of polycarbonate’s sturdiness in higher-end Samsonite baggage (or any CALPAK case).

If you happen to respect a bit extra flexibility, their softside baggage is useful. Constructed from supplies like ballistic nylon and polyester, these baggage provide expandable zippers for these instances once you want just a bit further room.

Whereas Samsonite baggage is sturdy and well-built general, you get a variety of high quality. Samsonite funds suitcases really feel cheaply made and use cheaper, weaker supplies like polypropylene and ABS. Alternatively, the mid-to-high-range instances are undoubtedly extra sturdy and dependable than CALPAK.

Samsonite Baggage Design & Options

Whereas CALPAK has a reasonably normal function set throughout all their suitcases, Samsonite presents far more selection and selection. If you happen to like simplicity, the Freeform Spinner solely has just a few zippered pockets and a single divider.

The Define Professional is on the opposite finish of the spectrum, with a number of pockets of various sizes and a folding compression pad to maintain every thing safe. For a similar worth as a CALPAK suitcase, you will get a way more organized and useful design.

Relying on what particular suitcase you choose, you will get vastly completely different designs and options. Which means it’s straightforward to search out precisely what you want.

The Simply Proper Carry-On comes with two personalized and simply detachable packing cubes. The Framelock Max has an aluminum body with a hinge and a TSA-approved latch, which is far more theft-proof than normal zipper baggage. The Silhouette Spinner has a laptop computer sleeve, a detachable toiletry bag, and a formidable array of pockets for chargers, cables, headphones, pens, and different small objects.

Mainly, in order for you a sure function, Samsonite in all probability has it.

Type-wise, Samsonite has much more selection than CALPAK. You’ll discover very conventional soft-sided suitcases in addition to ultramodern hardshells with loopy natural patterns. General, although, CALPAK is doing a significantly better job at delivering on-trend kinds that stand out with out being overly flashy.

Samsonite Baggage: Execs and Cons

Samsonite has an enormous vary of suitcases, which implies they provide very completely different designs and development. Selection is the primary benefit of Samsonite, nevertheless it additionally signifies that the standard isn’t constant. The important thing takeaway in case your looking for Samsonite baggage is that this: not each Samsonite bag is created equal.

Samsonite vs CALPAK: Greatest Baggage Possibility For You

When selecting the finest baggage manufacturers on your travels, each CALPAK and Samsonite have quite a bit to supply. The fitting alternative hinges on what issues most to you in a suitcase.

If turning heads together with your journey gear is your factor, then CALPAK is the way in which to go, little doubt. This model caters to you when you worth aesthetics and individuality in your journey gear. With CALPAK, your baggage isn’t only a place to stash your garments—it’s a part of your journey look, making a press release wherever you go.

On the flip aspect, Samsonite presents an enormous array of choices which are out there in additional shops globally. The accessibility and sturdy guarantee make it a stable choose when you prioritize practicality and help. Nothing improper with having sturdy and dependable baggage that simply will get the job finished.

Deciding between CALPAK and Samsonite comes right down to what’s extra necessary in a bag on your travels—whether or not it’s the eco-chic attraction and customization of CALPAK or the enduring high quality and basic performance of Samsonite. Each manufacturers provide compelling causes to decide on them, relying in your private fashion, journey frequency, and what you pack inside.